Meet Stefan Haerle, a gifted touring musician, producer, and composer based in New York City. From humble beginnings in Augusta, Georgia, to collaborating with world-class artists, Stefan’s journey is a testament to passion, resilience, and the power of music. In this interview, Stefan shares his story, creative process, and insights into life as a musician in the bustling heart of NYC.
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Could you introduce yourself to ONS community?
Stefan Haerle : My name is Stefan Haerle. I’m a touring musician, composer, and producer based in New York City. I tour with artists, compose music, and produce projects ranging from R&B to classical.
Which instruments do you play?
Stefan Haerle : I play bass guitar, tenor and soprano saxophone, and a tiny bit of flute. When I tour, I play guitar and often provide backup vocals. Oh, and I’m a pretty terrible clarinet player—but it’s fun!
What inspired you to get into music?
Stefan Haerle : I started playing guitar in fifth grade after my mom saw an ad for lessons in a hair salon. I wasn’t great at sports, so my parents encouraged me to try music. Later, I picked up the saxophone in middle school as part of the school band. At first, it was just a way to make friends, but over time I realized I had a natural talent for it.
Moving to New York was a turning point for me. Meeting other talented musicians here inspired me to take music seriously and make it my career.
When did you decide music was more than a hobby?
Stefan Haerle : In high school, I attended the Governor’s Honors Program in Georgia. I was terrible at auditions, but somehow I got in. Coming from Augusta, I wasn’t used to seeing child prodigies or people with such incredible talent. I’m naturally competitive, so it motivated me to push myself and eventually move to New York.
How important is collaboration in your music?
Stefan Haerle : Collaboration is everything. My first experiences were playing music in church, which taught me the importance of being part of something bigger than yourself. That mindset carried over into other genres.
When I work with artists, my goal is to help them realize their vision. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see someone’s face light up when you nail exactly what they want. Collaboration also helps me grow. Working with people who are more experienced or have different perspectives pushes me to improve and try new approaches.
What’s a typical day like for you as a musician?
Stefan Haerle : It’s unpredictable! One day I might be flying to Houston for a gig, and the next I’m back in New York playing a church service. Some weeks, I have consistent gigs that keep me grounded financially, but I also get flown out for private events.
For example, there’s a family in Nantucket that flies me out to play at their events—and I get to sleep on their yacht! It’s chaotic, but I love it.
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What inspires your music?
Stefan Haerle : Inspiration strikes in unexpected ways. Sometimes, I’ll be on the train at 2 a.m. after a gig, listening to a song that really moves me. I’ll focus on one element—like the tempo, groove, or vibe—and try to translate that into my own music.
I also record voice memos constantly. I probably look ridiculous humming melodies into my phone, but those ideas often turn into something special. And even on days when I’m not inspired, I make it a point to create something. It’s like exercising a muscle—the more you do it, the easier it gets.
Do you ever abandon projects?
Stefan Haerle :All the time! I have at least 200 unfinished projects on my computer. Sometimes I’ll revisit an old idea years later and know exactly what to do with it. Those unfinished ideas are like a treasure trove of inspiration waiting to be rediscovered.
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Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
Stefan Haerle :Right now, I’m really into R&B—artists like Brandy, Musiq Soulchild, and Sonder (Brent Faiyaz’s group project). I also love classical music, especially Scriabin’s preludes, which inspired a lot of my own compositions.
A Tribe Called Quest is another huge influence. I’ve worked with their engineer, who’s a genius. He was one of the first people to believe in me and mentor me, which was incredibly validating.
How did you build your musical community in New York?
Stefan Haerle : When I first moved here, I didn’t know anyone. I was shy, introverted, and honestly very uncool—I dressed like a kid from Augusta in khaki shorts and boat shoes!
At first, I spent all my time in the practice rooms. I’d meet people there, and they’d invite me to jam sessions. I started going to Smalls Jazz Club every night and listening to legends like Roy Hargrove. Over time, I built a network by saying yes to every opportunity, even the small gigs.
Nine years later, almost all of my closest friends are people I met through music. Some of them have gone on to tour with big artists, which is amazing to see.
What’s your relationship with New York City now?
Stefan Haerle :At first, I hated it. I was shy, anxious, and overwhelmed. But as I met more people and started exploring the city, I fell in love with its energy.
New York is chaotic and unpredictable, but that’s what makes it so exciting. You never know what’s going to happen—one week you’re playing a small gig, and the next you’re on tour with an artist you admire. It forces you to stay on your toes, and I thrive on that.
Now, I can’t imagine living anywhere else. New York has shaped me as a musician and as a person.
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